Rio's Fire by Lynn Hagen Read Free Book Online Page B

lived a solitary life too long. Maybe he really didn’t know how to interact with other people.
    “Look”—Rio blew out a long breath—“I didn’t mean to snap. Can we just have a good time tonight?”
    “Sure.” Fire gave him a bright and cheery smile. Rio didn’t trust it. “On second thought, I would really like something to eat.”
    Rio had a funny feeling about his mate’s sudden mood change. He didn’t know Fire well enough to judge the mood swing, so Rio pulled in to an empty parking spot in front of the diner. “Is this good for you?”
    “Yep. Let’s go have a bite to eat.”
    Rio eyed his mate questionably as he cut the motor. Why did he have a sneaky suspicion that Fire was up to something? Letting out a heavy sigh and knowing he was fucking this night up, Rio gave Fire a nod as he climbed out. As the two walked to the door, Fire patted his back pocket. “I must’ve left my wallet on the seat of your truck. Go on in. I’ll be right behind you.”
    Feeling guilty for snapping at his mate, Rio gave a nod as he grabbed the door and opened it, walking into the diner. The place didn’t seem that crowded. Good. Rio wasn’t up for his cat acting irritable all night. He turned to look for Fire and let out a litany of curses under his breath.
    Fire was nowhere in sight.

    48 Lynn
    Hagen
    Maverick was going to kill him.

    * * * *

    “You what?” Maverick growled into the phone. “How the hell do you lose your mate?”
    “My eyes were off of him for a total of ten seconds. No one told me he was that damn fast.”
    If Maverick didn’t think Rio was one hell of a kindergarten teacher, he would boot his ass right out of town. He knew he shouldn’t have let Fire go. His gut instinct told him to keep that man under watchful eye. Fire hadn’t attended any gamblers meetings. He had only talked with Drew a few times. Fire wasn’t ready to be out on his own. The man was far from ready to face his problem.
    Maverick hadn’t wanted to interfere between mates. That was what the hell he got for listening to his heart instead of his head.
    When he got his hands wrapped around Fire’s throat, he was going to choke the shit out of the fey.
    “I’m sorry, but I’m going to have to call my sentries in on this one. Fire has left me no choice.” Give the man an inch and he commits suicide. It was going to be a cold day in hell when Maverick allowed Fire anywhere. But the fey was not going to get out of this that easily. He was still going to be an art teacher. Fire was going to learn to be a responsible adult if Maverick had to choke the lesson into the man.
    “Understood. But just so you know, I’m going to be looking for him myself.”
    “Yeah, good luck with that one. Let’s see who finds him first.”
    Okay, so Maverick was pissed off beyond belief. He had every right to be. In all actuality, Fire did not have it bad here. If he wasn’t such a fuckup, the man could come and go as he pleased. But the only thing he had done was prove Maverick right.

    Rio’s Fire
    49
    He slammed the phone down, hearing the hard plastic protest. It was unrealistic to him how he had to keep such a close eye on a grown man.
    Heading out of his office, Maverick walked with long, angry strides, hunting down Hawk.

    * * * *

    Fire had met a few people on his outings. From his past friendship with the sordid type, Fire had learned quickly who would be the right person to turn to in order to make a bet in this town. But he had to move fast. By now Rio would’ve called Maverick. And knowing the alpha, the dogs would soon be barking at his heels.
    With a quick glance all around him, Fire hurried into The Café.
    He immediately spotted who he was looking for. The guy was grimy, but he wasn’t here for looks and personality. Keeping his head low, he scuttled over to the man.
    “Fire! Haven’t seen you around for a while. Where is your bodyguard?” The guy peered past Fire, his eyes darting around.
    “I was paroled. What do you